Proof read and critique my letter please

[tacxted]

I'm new to the politics surrounding firearms but not firearms themselves. I want to write some letters to my senators, house reps and state governor. Have I done a good job? This is my first attempt at writing a letter to a government offical as well as posting in the activism fourm, be brutal in your critique if need be.

my thanks goes out to THR members leadcounsel and ZeSpectre for influencing me to sit down and write. Ive read a few threads by these two which got me thinking.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=690308
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=690290
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=689694

Thanks for your suggestions and comments.


Dear

I am writing you with great concern regarding the current atmosphere surrounding second amendment rights specifically firearm ownership. Print media, television, internet and even our country’s own president are asking for more laws, restrictions and regulation of my second amendment rights secured to me through the constitution. Any implementation of limits on US civilian firearms ownership is un-American. Please oppose any form of an “Assault Weapons Ban” or other suggested regulation.

Taking a position of leadership in our countries government is a great accomplishment, which comes with an even greater responsibility. That responsibility is to ensure the current and future laws are scrutinized using the constitution as the standard. In the case of the second amendment, regulation of any form is unconstitutional and is there for unneeded and unwanted.

An “Assault Weapons Ban” would solidly violate the Second Amendment. It removes control of self-defense from the very people who need that control, the law abiding American citizen. All procedural and legal means should be adopted and used to oppose all current and future attempts to violate the second amendment.

I am sure you are under considerable pressure at this time to support future legislation, in the name of public safety, to prohibit, regulate, or otherwise control firearms. I understand the point of view of those that support "gun control". I believe, however, that the rights protected by the Constitution should be held above all, and protected from, the temporary whim of public opinion.

Please support the second amendment, and through the second amendment, the security and safety of the United States and its people. Knee jerk calls for gun control are never the answer. The Second Amendment is too important to be whimsically overwritten. I expect President Obama to lead the charge forward, headfirst and irrationally. However as one of your informed constituents, I ask you to oppose this and stand in his way with all your capability. I will thank you for this effort when I arrive at the voting booth.


Sincerely,

 

[kalel33]

I didn't read the letters but I'm sure someone else will assist. The first thing I noticed is that you spelled proofread wrong in the title. It's only one word. Sorry, I just thought it was a little ironic and funny. Thank you for taking the effort in writing your representatives.

 

[JohnKSa]

In the case of the second amendment, regulation of any form is unconstitutional and is there for unneeded and unwanted.

If you are going to say this, you need to say: "In my opinion, in the case of the ...". Your opinion is contrary to the Supreme Court's opinion and therefore contrary to the law of the land.

You'd be better off keeping it short, sticking to the topic and avoiding commentary on what you believe is constitutional and what isn't. You want to get your point across without categorizing yourself in such a way as to allow someone to easily pigeonhole/stereotype you which will allow them to dismiss you and your views and wishes.

I am writing you with great concern regarding the current atmosphere surrounding second amendment rights. Please oppose any form of an “Assault Weapons Ban”. I am sure you are under considerable pressure at this time to support gun control, however, an “Assault Weapons Ban” removes control of self-defense from law abiding American citizens.

Please support the second amendment, and through the second amendment, the security and safety of the United States and its people. As one of your informed constituents, I ask you to oppose this proposed legislation with all your capability. I will thank you for this effort when I arrive at the voting booth.​

 

[leadcounsel]

I skimmed it. Capitalize Second Amendment throughout.

Overall, the idea is conveyed.

Frankly, I think that putting forth an idea is the most important. I expect that leaders get flooded with these, and they are just ticked off in a "for" or "against" spreadsheet. So don't get too hung up on exact word choice. Spend the time with a good draft and sending it to as many reps as you can.

 

[tacxted]

Working on revision

Kalel33, I see the hilarious irony of my spelling mistake. Thankyou, I can only hope many gun owners are doing the same right now.

JohnKSa, I will be adding the "opinion" part and triming for length. Thanks for your input.

leadcounsel, capitalization is done. I like to think that my reps will take the time to read and recognize the emotion and passion in my words, but I can totally see the letters being "sorted" as such. Thanks for your input.

 

[Centurian22]

Sorry I didn't get to this sooner. Very well written, I like how it reads but I am concerned about the length as well. I like to hope the reps read things all the way through as well but I don't put much faith in it happening.

 

[leadcounsel]

You can proofread stuff to death... particuarly when it'll just be sorted into "for" and "against." You'll be lucky to get a canned response.

Like I learned a long time ago, a 80% solution now is better than a 100% solution never.